Senior School 

Senior School Report

From seeing our brand-new year 10 students walk through the College gates for the first time to seeing the first pour of concrete for the stage 2 build on our Senior Campus, Term 1 has been nothing short of an exciting and positively eventful term. 

In particular, one of the major highlights of the term has been that our first cohort at the Senior School began their final year as year 12 students. Our year 12 student leadership team worked with Mr Zanetidis, Ms Lopez and Ms Cook to organise their last first day which was a bitter-sweet way to begin their final year at the college but one which gave our year 12 students the opportunity to reflect and enjoy time with one another before the onslaught of what may be one of their most challenging yet cherished years in education. 

Our Year 10 students have also transitioned positively into Senior School life, building connections through class and lunchtime engagement opportunities and have developed a greater understanding of our values and expectations, while completing their first Common Assessment Tasks. As they prepare for upcoming milestones such as exams, potential work experience opportunities and key events in the term ahead, the focus remains on consistent attendance, uniform and stepping up to the rigours of Senior School academic expectations.

Year 11 students have begun the first year of their two-year journey in VCE and VCE-VM with resilience and determination, navigating the increased academic rigour and completing their first SACs. Students have also taken well to realising their potential as leaders at the College, setting an example for their year 10 peers by demonstrating a strong positive approach to engaging in college life. They have respectfully and proudly worn their uniform and showed a commitment to improving their learning habits to ensure they set a solid foundation for future success. 

Across the campus, the Senior Sub-School Team have strived to promote a strong culture of connection through engaging activities and themed weeks, strengthening student voice, belonging and participation. Together, we remain committed to ensuring every student is supported to thrive, achieve success and feel a genuine sense of belonging within our community. 

Congratulations to everyone on a wonderful start to the year and we look forward to what Term 2 has in store for our College community!

Mr. Aaron Dass

Assistant Principal - Senior School

Year 10 Update

Introducing the year 10 team

Leading Teachers Philip Parfitt and Sabrina Baker, alongside Engagement Coordinators Shadmaan Barkat and Carissa Sathiaseelan work together to support the year 10 cohort through their learning and wellbeing. We also work closely with the Wellbeing, Transitions and Careers teams to ensure all students are supported at the College.

Term 1 saw our year 10 students transition into Bemin Secondary College with enthusiasm. With students coming to us from 4 main feeder schools, we took time to teach and learn about the college values, expectations and processes to be successful at Senior School. 

We continue to stress the importance of these key expectations and processes in the interests of supporting our students in their learning and wellbeing at school. As we head towards the end of term, year 10s have completed their first Common Assessment Tasks (CATs) in each of their subjects and will be receiving feedback from their classroom teachers. 

Looking ahead, our students will be participating in Culture and Diversity Week, their first exams in term 2, Athletics carnival, work experience and Year 10 formal. In addition, our Senior School Engagement Coordinators have been organising a regular series of activities throughout the term that you can read about as you go. 

    - Phil Parfitt and Sabrina Baker, Year 10 Leading Teachers

Uniform

School uniform provides a sense of belonging and pride at the College whilst also supporting child safety. 

Students are expected to be in full academic school uniform each day, PE uniform is just for days where students have practical lessons scheduled. Tracksuit pants, hoodies and non school uniform items like scarves are not to be worn. If you are having trouble accessing uniform please contact admin or the sub-school team and we can provide assistance. The sub-school team will be conducting uniform blitzes to identify students consistently out of uniform and contacting home when required.

Lockers

All year 10 students were provided with a dedicated locker and a combination lock. This is where we expect students to secure their belongings each morning including their bags. The combination locks took some practice but most students have got the hang of them quickly and are using them effectively. We expect all students to be using their school issued lock properly. For those that go missing, students may be responsible for their replacement. 

Phones and devices

It is a Victorian Government policy that students are not permitted to use their phones whilst at school. If you require to contact your child throughout the school day, please contact the College administration team and we can assist you. Students are expected to have their phones and any other devices like headphones in their lockers. Should they be used, students are expected to hand them in and they can be collected at the front office. Should this be a regular occurrence, parents and carers may be required to come in to the school to collect the items.

Attendance - Mr Barkat

Regular and consistent attendance plays a vital role in the success of our Year 10 students, as each lesson builds essential knowledge, skills and confidence for the future. Being present also means arriving on time and ready to learn, as punctuality ensures students do not miss important instructions and helps develop positive habits that will support them beyond the school walls. As a cohort, this is an important area for us, where we encourage all students to take pride in their commitment to growth, learning and improvement. We are also proud to celebrate in our upcoming assembly by congratulating students who demonstrate excellent attendance, including those students who take charge of their learning by consistently being on time to their classes. Congratulations to the students who have been practicing and will receive these awards.

An important reminder from our sub-school, is that if there are any unforeseen circumstances that requires a student to be absent for an extended period of time, we ask that you notify the school office as soon as possible so that this information can be shared with teachers and, students can continue their learning through updates provided on Google Classroom. 

Year 11 Update

Introducing the year 11 team

Leading Teachers Nicholas Hooper and Amelia Amuso, alongside Engagement Coordinators Samaah Hussain work together to support the year 11 cohort through their learning and wellbeing. We also work closely with the Wellbeing, Transitions and Careers teams to ensure all students are supported at the College.

“The occasion is piled high with difficulty. We must rise to the occasion.” Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is remembered for his leadership during one of the most challenging periods in American history and for his role in the abolition of slavery. This powerful statement captures his belief that moments of difficulty require courage, perseverance and thoughtful action.

For the vast majority of our Year 11 students, this term has marked the beginning of their journey toward completing the Victorian Certificate of Education. Whether undertaking VCE or the VCE–Vocational Major (VCE-VM), students have already encountered the increased expectations and academic rigour that accompany senior studies. Encouragingly, many within this cohort have responded with determination and resilience. Students have demonstrated a willingness to persevere through challenges, reflect on their learning, and explore strategies to strengthen both their academic progress and their engagement within the school community. These early experiences will provide an important foundation for continued growth, confidence and success throughout the year.

There is much to celebrate within the Year 11 cohort at Bemin Secondary College. Students are to be commended for their consistent approach to both uniform and attendance. Those who achieved 100% attendance were recognised and congratulated at assembly, reflecting a strong commitment to their learning. It is also pleasing to see many students wearing the college uniform with pride, contributing to a positive and respectful school environment. We acknowledge the collective efforts of our students and encourage all to maintain a commitment to wearing the full school uniform each day. Should there be any difficulty in accessing the required uniform, students and families are encouraged to contact the subschool or administration team for support.

This term has also seen many students undertake their first School Assessed Coursework (SAC) tasks as part of their VCE studies. This important milestone requires organisation, resilience and a strong commitment to preparation and revision. Guided by VCAA requirements, SAC processes ensure that assessments are conducted under consistent and fair conditions, with clear criteria used to measure student achievement. Students are to be commended for the maturity and diligence they have demonstrated in approaching these assessments.

Looking ahead, Year 11 students will complete their Unit 1 coursework and assessment in Term 2, before entering the examination period toward the end of the term. This phase is critically important in preparing students for success in Year 12. Information regarding requests for subject changes will also be provided to students during Term 2.

In the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, Year 11 students are encouraged to approach their learning with courage, demonstrate perseverance in their efforts, and maintain a conscientious attitude in their daily conduct.

Year 12 Update

Congratulations to our VCE and VCE VM students on the completion of Term 1 of their final year of secondary education.  We are excited to be delivering the second year of VCE and VCE VM to our foundation Senior Campus students. 

We are proud of how our students have risen to the challenge of VCE studies, particularly in terms of academic rigour. Students have actively engaged in their learning, while also setting a positive example for Year 10 and Year 11 students. 

Across the coming year, Year 12 students will have the opportunity to participate in various excursions, masterclasses, dress up days, fundraisers, Athletics Carnival, Year 12 Formal, Celebration Day, and Graduation. 

Meet the Year 12 Team

Together with the College’s teachers and education support staff, the Year 12 Leadership Team supports students to engage in their learning, and work towards their career aspirations.

Inaugural Last First Day

On Thursday 29 January, Year 12s celebrated their ‘Last First Day’ of secondary school. 

Students enjoyed a morning tea in the College Library, participated in various activities, including a Bemin style photo booth, with props designed by the College Captains and Vice Captains. This was then followed by an assembly, lead by the College Captains. 

The Year 12 team is particularly grateful to our education support staff members Fiona and Patrice, who prepared the food in the College kitchens. 

International Women’s Day

During the final Year 12 Assembly of Term 1, Parisay, College Captain, and Hermila, College Vice Captain, gave the following inspirational speech.

Greetings our fellow Bemin Secondary Community,

Recently, myself and Hermila had the opportunity, along with our school community, to come together for a morning tea to celebrate International Women’s Day.  Our local member of the parliament, Sarah Conolly joined us and spoke about the importance of resilience and representation. She did not just talk about success, but also talked about the hard work and the persistence that is required to stand up for what is right in our community.

Sarah’s journey reminded us that no matter where we start, our contributions are valuable. As we look back on our independent women's day celebrations, let’s remember her message, that we should never be afraid to take up space and advocate for what we believe in.

This International Women's Day commemorated the women in our community who are consistently making an impact in our lives, such as our mothers, relatives, teachers and friends.

It also helped us to realise the change that has occurred for women in our society such as  being able to receive an education, being accepted in different institutions despite being a woman, and having our voices heard in places such as parliament where they were once dismissed. It also showcased how far women have come and the importance to continue to progress for the future generations of women, particularly as we are still clearly seeing women facing challenges in leadership roles, pay inequality and ultimately being reduced and having work not be recognised.

This significant day has left us as leaders inspired  to do something to create a change for women in our school community and has empowered us to continue to strive for more.

We hope to see more young people empowered and motivated to create a difference. Change starts with small actions that lead to something that is hugely influential, and each individual in this room is capable of being a part of this process.

So as we leave today let us carry this message moving forth.

Hermila and Parisay

Attendance

It is important to note that the College has a minimum 90% attendance requirement. This is to ensure that students are the best possible position to find success in the learning as they work towards achieveing their career aspirations. 

Please be aware that extended family holidays during school terms are not an approved absence, and will place students at risk of a Not Satisfactory in each subject, thus impacting the viability of their VCE program. 

The College acknowledges the importance and value of family travel and events. However, to ensure students are set up for success in Year 12, the College advises all families to restrict travel to term breaks to ensure students do not jeopardise their VCE. 

Assessment in VCE and VCE VM

With less than 171 days until the final day of VCE VM, and 209 days until the commencement of the formal written examination period for Year 12 students, it is vital that students are managing their studies and meeting all requirements of the VCE.

All school assessed coursework and tasks across Units 3 and 4 contribute towards the achievement of the VCE qualification. As a result, all assessments are compulsory and must be completed.

Please note that internal assessment tasks, also referred to as School Assessed Coursework (SACs) and School Assessed Tasks (SATs) contribute directly to the study scores.

Absence during an assessment

Where a student is absent for an assessment, they must provide a medical certificate to the Front Office, or have a school approved absence approved by the College Principal. 

Where a student is unable to satisfy one of the above requirements, they will earn a zero for the assessment, but will have the opportunity to sit the assessment for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory only.

Please note that SATs are governed by specific requirements. If students require clarifcation, they are encouraged to speak with their classroom teachers directly. 

After School Make Up and Redemption Sessions

Where a student is absent for an assessment, or does not satisfy the requirements of a particular outcome in VCE and VCE VM, they will be enrolled in an after school session. 

During the after school session, supervised by teachers, students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, and satisfy the requirements of a particular outcome. 

• These sessions are compulsory - families will receive communication via Compass outlining the details of the session
• Sessions are run after school on a Thursday 
• An email will be sent to families when a student has been enrolled in one of these sessions
• These sessions will also appear on student Compass Schedules

Coursework

• All students complete coursework, which consists of various tasks, exercises and assessments
• All coursework is compulsory
• It is the responsibility of each Year 12 student to manage their coursework, ensure they are up to date, and seek feedback and support
• All coursework is outlined in a timeline and checklist, which can be found on the subjects Google Classroom/Google Site
• Year 12 students will always have homework - this may include work coursework that the student did not finish in class, or coursework that has been specifically set as homework
• Please check in with your child regularly, and ask them to take you through what they are doing in each class

At Risk of Not Satisfactory

Please note that the College has a comprehensive At Risk process. 

This alerts students and families when students are at risk of earning a Not Satisfactory in a particular subject. This could be due to a number of factors, including low coursework completion, low attendance or a lack of authenticated coursework. 

When a student is deemed at risk, the classroom teacher will have a conversation with the student, and complete an At Risk of Not Satisfactory (VCE) Compass Chronicle. This will be visible on a student’s Compass Digest, meaning families can also view it. This Chronicle will outline why the student is at risk, and the steps they need to take to get back on track. 

This is also indicated in the College’s Progress Reports. 

Please monitor this regularly and check in with teachers and members of the Year 12 Leadership team. 

Some Key Dates and Events

21 April - La Trobe University Experience Excursion - for all VCE students

12 June - End of Unit 3 - all coursework and assessment must be submitted prior to this date

16 June - General Achievement Test (GAT) - compulsory for all VCE and VCE VM students

18 June - Year 12 Formal 

4 September - End of Unit 4 - all coursework and assessment must be submitted prior to this date

5 October to 1 November - VCAA Performance examinations, Languages oral examinations and Extended Investigation oral presentations

26 October to 18 November - VCAA written examinations

3 December - Graduation and Valedictory

Please note that to attend events such as the Year 12 Formal, and other celebratory events throughout the year, students must:

• Uphold College values
• Meet the College's 90% minimum attendance requirement - in class
• Meet behaviour expectations
• Arrive on time to all classes, including Check and Connect

Where students choose to not satisfy the above requirement, they will not be eligible to attend these events. We encourage all families to discuss this with their children and ensure they are able to engage in the various milestones Year 12 is known for. 

Over the term break, we encourage students to spend some time taking a break and recharging. We also ask that students use their time wisely, completing all coursework, holiday homework, and revision in preparation for upcoming assessments. 

Well done on an exceptional start to 2026 Year 12s!

Mr Zanetidis, Ms Cook and Ms Lopez

Year 12 Leadership Team

Engagement Coordinator Update

Throughout the term, a number of themed engagement weeks have been organised across the school with the aim of increasing student participation, strengthening connections and contributing to a positive whole school culture. These included Active Week, Creativity Week, Performing Arts Week, the Bemin Ballers netball tournament and Cultural Diversity Week. The activities were constructed to provide students with exciting but meaningful opportunities at lunch break, to connect with their peers  in different ways and to create spaces where they could collaborate, contribute and enjoy being part of the school community. When students feel comfortable, included and energised within their school environment it often translates into stronger motivation and a greater willingness to be involved in other aspects of school life.

• Carissa Sathiaseelan, Shadmaan Barkat, Samaah Hussain, Rebecca Cook and Zarina Lopez

“I think that the lunchtime activities are a great way to create a community, they are very effective in bringing people together using a mutual passion, it's very interactive and very different to what I’ve done in other schools, I especially loved creative week” 

- Pav Joia Year 11

Active Week

Week five centred on Active Week mini games which focused on movement, cooperation a

nd friendly competition. Activities included a balance challenge at the amphitheatre, a marble and spoon race on the oval, the one hundred metre dash, tug of war and a series of mini games to conclude the week. The atmosphere across the week was energetic. Students engaged themselves into the activities while others gathered around the spaces to watch and cheer on their friends. As the week unfolded it became clear that the events were generating genuine excitement. Many students began approaching staff to ask what the next challenge would be, and multiple requested that certain events such as tug of war or the running races become recurring. Staff also got involved in the dash, even proving to be as great as the students! Well done. Prizes were a must, and students were awarded with canteen vouchers to celebrate their wins.

Creativity Week

Week six moved into Creativity Week which shifted the focus towards hands-on activities that encouraged imagination and personal expression. Students took part in bookmark making, bracelet making, gift card design and painting rocks in spaces such as the library, the art portable and the amphitheatre. The week concluded with an activity connected to International Women’s Day which encouraged students to reflect on how much a woman contributes to society, and the many influential women that surround us in the past and present. When we celebrate Women, we are celebrating nations. The Students spent time reflecting on ideas with friends and taking pride in the pieces they produced. Activities like these provide a valuable opportunity for students to slow down, engage their creativity and experience a sense of achievement through producing something of their own.

Performing arts week

Week seven highlighted the performing arts and gave students the chance to showcase their creativity and confidence in front of their peers. Activities included charades in the library, karaoke in the music room, a dance class in the drama studio and a sixty second talent spotlight where students were invited to briefly present a skill or performance. The week was filled with laughter, encouragement and plenty of memorable moments. One of the most striking aspects was the number of talented singers and musically gifted students within the school.  The karaoke sessions in particular revealed an impressive level of vocal ability and stage confidence. The amphitheatre was packed! It was genuinely rewarding to see how many students were willing to step forward and perform while others offered enthusiastic support. 

“It is giving a chance to express themselves, and have fun and maybe overcome their anxiety. The solo in the music room allowed students the opportunity to sing in a smaller crowd before going all out in the amphitheatre. I'd love to see this ongoing, with more activities”

 -Ellina El-Houli Year 11

Culture and Diversity Week

Week nine we celebrated our school's rich culture and diversity. We began the week with Cultural Dress day where students celebrated their culture through fashion. We also had multiple performances throughout the week. On Monday we had performances representing the Philippines and North India. On Wednesday we had performances representing Punjabi culture. To conclude the week we initially were having performances on Thursday but due to poor weather this was moved to the following Monday, where we had performances presenting Punjab and Pasifika culture. Students across the senior campus watched and supported their peers who were performing and also enjoyed a new canteen menu exploring foods from different cultures.